A GROUP of children are being blamed for bringing chaos to a vital rail link over Easter.
All services from Manchester to Huddersfield came to a halt after the group were spotted in the Marsden end of the Standedge tunnel.
Commuters returning to Saddleworth from work in Manchester on Good Friday faced frustrating delays of more than three hour to reach Greenfield and Mossley.
Local commuter David Wheeler said:”There were a lot of problems. It took hours for people to get home.
“It’s sheer stupidity for children to play near or in rail lines at anytime – never mind in a tunnel.”
The delays affected local stopping trains which include changes at Stalybridge and transpennine express services to Yorkshire and the north east.
Other disgruntled travellers said it took three hours to travel the one stop between Mossley and Greenfield, which is Oldham’s only rail station.
A spokesperson for Network Rail condemned the children’s actions saying the delays would have cost thousands of pounds.
“Children should remember rail tunnels and lines are not playgrounds. They should stay well away from them at any time.
“There are extra hazards with tunnels and everyone should remember problems can be exacerbated on the lines at peak times.”
A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “Our officers attended Standedge Railway Tunnel on Good Friday following a report of a group of young persons trespassing inside the tunnel.
“BTP officers attended the scene alongside officers from West Yorkshire Police and a search of the tunnel was commenced involving staff from Network Rail.
“Despite an extensive search of the tunnel officers were unable to locate these persons and the railway line was handed back to Network Rail.”
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